WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Dirtylogy It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Allissa .Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

smorganodmd I am 66 years old and went to a Catholic school run by holy sisters. My first grade teacher dressed almost exactly like Ingrid Bergman. The movie is very authentic in its portrayal of a school run by nuns. I have seen it many times. (SPOILER!) I really do cry when Father O'Malley tells Sister Benedict that she is leaving because she has TB. Bergman's acting is superb throughout, and Bing Crosby is a natural as a Catholic priest. One of my favorite movies of all time. This is how I grew up.

kenjha A priest and a nun lead the effort to replace a crumbling church school. This pleasant sequel to "Going May Way" is a nice blend of comedy and drama. Although the earlier film won the Best Picture Oscar, this one is actually better, mainly because the script doesn't meander as much as the first film and because of the presence of Bergman. The actress is terrific and works well with Crosby, who continues his Oscar-winning role as Father O'Malley. This is the movie that's seen on the Bedford Falls movie theater marquee in "It's a Wonderful Life." Travers, who played an angel in that Frank Capra film, here plays a grumpy old man who changes his ways.

wes-connors Singing Priest Bing Crosby (returning as Chuck O'Malley, from "Going My Way") is transferred to "St. Mary's" parochial school, where he is immediately warned about serving with a group of nuns; they're hinted at being responsible for sending the previous Pastor to the nuthouse. "They took him away mumbling to himself, in a wheelchair," reveals gossipy housekeeper Una O'Connor (as Mrs. Breen).Apparently, the departing Priest lost a fight with the nuns over philosophies of education. Quickly, Father Crosby learns "what it means to be up to your neck in nuns." He clashes with Swedish Sister Ingrid Bergman (as Mary Benedict) when the pair catch two boys in a fist fight. Crosby treats the conflict humorously (though, he does stop it), irking Sister Bergman.Bergman has been teaching young Richard "Dickie" Tyler (as Eddie Breen), the loser, to "turn the other cheek." Crosby fears this may turn the boy into a sissy. Bergman sees the error of her ways, and uses her "tomboy" experience to teach the boy how to box. As a girl, Bergman played baseball and football with the boys, and had an impressive 300 batting average. Later, Bergman excitedly watches her ward handily score a TKO.Crosby teaches Bergman another lesson, involving young Joan Carroll (as Patsy Gallagher), a girl Crosby accepts at the school, despite her troubled family background; her mother ran away with a musician, who deserted after the baby arrived. Crosby uses finesse to get Bergman to give the girl a second chance. Although Crosby's "O'Malley" is usually a good person, he informs Bergman of some "bad news" in a cruel, parsing way.The main plot concerns "St. Mary's" being threatened with closure, due to its decrepit condition; however nice it looks on camera, the school is close to being condemned. Wealthy neighbor Henry Travers (as Horace P. Bogardus) wants "St. Mary's" turned into a parking lot for his new office building. The nuns are praying for a miracle, which Crosby's appearance may turn out "to be, or not to be." "The Bells of St. Mary's" received several awards and nominations, including top consideration for "Best Picture", Leo McCarey ("Best Director"), Crosby ("Best Actor"), and Bergman ("Best Actor"). While likable, the film doesn't not reach the levels of excellence you'd expect from looking at its impressive list of honors. Still, the production is very good.The younger performers - Ms. Carroll, Mr. Tyler, and Bobby Dolan Jr. ("Joseph" in the nativity play) - really help make it credible; Carroll's "Patsy" is especially noteworthy. Crosby's accompanying hit single was "Aren't You Glad You're You?" (#8) / "In the Land of Beginning Again" (#18). The topside is a pale re-write of the superb "Swinging on a Star" (from "Going My Way"), but the flipside is quietly sublime.****** The Bells of St. Mary's (12/6/45) Leo McCarey ~ Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Joan Carroll

disdressed12 this is the sequel and more famous cousin to Going my Way.Bing Crosby reprises his role of Father O'Malley.Ingrid Bergman co-stars.this movie is much deeper than it's predecessor,and has a much better,stronger story.Crosby and Bergman are both brilliant here.the story has some very touching moments.i welled up a few times.there are strong themes of hope and faith and miracles here,and the human spirit.wheres there are a quite a few lighter,comedic moments in Going my Way,there aren't that many here.it's much more serious in tone.i don't know if Bergman and/or Crosby won academy awards for their portrayals,but they give award worthy performance.the movie does feel a bit long and there are some slow moments,but overall,i liked it.i give The Bells of St. Mary's a 6/10